Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K vs Intel Core i9-12900K
The Intel Core i9-12900K is the better buy for most users, thanks to its elite 16 cores and 24 threads that crush the Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K's 14 cores. This means if you're into rendering or streaming, the i9-12900K's performance is a game changer. In real-world use, the i9-12900K’s 241W turbo power does require premium cooling, but the payoff is clear. It delivers top-tier performance for gaming and heavy multitasking, while the Ultra 5 245K, while efficient at 125W, lacks the same power for demanding applications. If you're looking for raw power, the i9-12900K is a no-brainer.
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Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
Intel Core i9-12900K
Comparison: Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K vs Intel Core i9-12900K
Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
Intel Core i9-12900K
| Criterion | Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(111)Amazon | ★4.5(2,331)Amazon |
Architecture Gen | Arrow Lake-S (Core Ultra Series 2) | Alder Lake (12th Gen Intel Core) |
Socket Platform | LGA1851 | LGA1700 |
Cores Threads | 14 Cores (6 Performance + 8 Efficient) / 14 Threads | 16 Cores (8 Performance + 8 Efficient) / 24 Threads |
Base Boost Clock | P-core: 4.2–5.2 GHz / E-core: 3.6–4.6 GHz | P-core: 3.2–5.2 GHz / E-core: 2.4–3.9 GHz |
Cache L2 L3 | 24 MB Intel® Smart Cache (L3) + 26 MB L2 (50 MB Total) | 30 MB Intel® Smart Cache (L3) + 14 MB L2 (44 MB Total) |
TDP Power | 125 W (Processor Base Power) | 125 W (Processor Base Power) |
Max Turbo Power | 159 W (Maximum Turbo Power) | 241 W (Maximum Turbo Power) |
Process Node | TSMC N3B (Compute Tile) / TSMC N6 (SoC Tile) | Intel 7 (10nm Enhanced SuperFin) |
Memory Support | DDR5-6400 MT/s (Official); CUDIMM Support; Up to 192 GB | DDR5-4800 MT/s / DDR4-3200 MT/s (Official); Up to 128 GB |
Memory Bandwidth Max | 102.4 GB/s (at DDR5-6400) | 76.8 GB/s |
Pcie Version | PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 | PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 |
Pcie Lanes | 24 (20 PCIe 5.0 + 4 PCIe 4.0 Direct from CPU) | 20 (16 PCIe 5.0 + 4 PCIe 4.0) |
Igpu | Intel® Graphics (4 Xe-cores, 1.9 GHz Max Dynamic) | Intel UHD Graphics 770 (32 EUs, 1.55 GHz Dyn Max) |
Instruction Features | SSE4.2, AVX2, VNNI, Intel 64, VT-x/d; NPU (13 TOPS AI) | SSE4.1/4.2, AVX2, Intel 64, VT-x/VT-d, AES-NI, Gaussian & Neural Accelerator 3.0 |
Cooler Included | No (Heatsink not included) | No (Heatsink not included) |
Max Temp | 105°C (221°F) Max Operating Temperature | 100°C (212°F) Tjunction |
Notes Limits | Requires LGA1851 motherboard (800 Series). No Hyper-Threading. Includes dedicated NPU for AI workloads. | Requires a robust liquid cooler (AIO) due to 241W turbo power. Unlocked for overclocking. |
Chipset Support | Intel 800 Series (Z890, B860, H810, etc.) | Intel 600 and 700 Series (Z690, Z790, etc.) |
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Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K
✓ Pros:
- • Significantly improved power efficiency (performance-per-watt) vs. 14th Gen
- • Modern platform connectivity: Native Thunderbolt 4, WiFi 7, PCIe 5.0 lanes
- • Integrated NPU (13 TOPS) accelerates light local AI workloads
- • Run cooler than previous i5-K SKUs under load
✗ Cons:
- • Gaming performance often flat or slightly lower than 14600K/Ryzen 9000
- • Removal of Hyper-Threading reduces multi-core potential in some apps
- • Requires new LGA1851 socket (incompatible with LGA1700)
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Intel Core i9-12900K
✓ Pros:
- • Elite multi-core performance for rendering, editing, and streaming
- • Supports both cost-effective DDR4 and high-performance DDR5 motherboards
- • High clock speeds (up to 5.2 GHz) ensure top-tier gaming performance
- • Integrated graphics useful for troubleshooting or Quick Sync workloads
✗ Cons:
- • Very high power consumption (241W) requires premium cooling solutions
- • Runs hotter than competitors under full load
- • LGA1700 platform reaches end-of-life after 14th Gen
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Which one is better?
The Intel Core i9-12900K is the better buy for most people - its 16 cores and 24 threads crush the Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K's 14 cores. That said, grab the Ultra 5 245K if you want to save money and prioritize power efficiency - it's 125W vs i9's 241W turbo.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K if: you need a more budget-friendly option, you prioritize power efficiency at 125W, or you are working with AI workloads thanks to its integrated NPU.
Choose the Intel Core i9-12900K if: you need top-tier performance for gaming or heavy multitasking, you shoot a lot of video and need quick rendering, or you plan to use both DDR4 and DDR5 memory.
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Intel Core Ultra 5 Desktop Processor 245K excels if you value significantly improved power efficiency (performance-per-watt) vs. 14th gen. Intel Core i9-12900K is better if you prioritize elite multi-core performance for rendering, editing, and streaming. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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